Introduction
Hey there, fellow food lover! Today, I want to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser and never fails to impress. The crispy Parmesan crust paired with the velvety garlic sauce is a match made in culinary heaven. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This
I make this when I want to treat myself to a restaurant-quality meal right at home. The combination of the crispy chicken and the creamy garlic sauce is simply irresistible. My family goes crazy for this dish because it’s packed with flavor and always leaves us wanting more. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, so it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this mouthwatering dish:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Feel free to get creative with the ingredients! I sometimes use different types of cheese or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick. Cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you.
Directions
Now, let’s get cooking!
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. This will be the delicious crust for our chicken.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then coat them in flour, shaking off any excess.
4. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated.
5. Press the chicken breasts into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, ensuring that they are evenly coated.
6. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
7. Place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
8. Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
9. While the chicken is baking, prepare the creamy garlic sauce. In the same skillet, add the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
10. Cook the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. Once the chicken is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This is where I usually sneak a taste because I just can’t resist!
12. Serve the Parmesan crusted chicken on a plate, drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley.
13. Enjoy every bite of this heavenly dish!
Notes
Through trial and error, I’ve discovered a few tips and tricks that can take this dish to the next level. Firstly, make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Secondly, if you want an extra crispy crust, you can double coat the chicken by repeating the dipping and coating process. Lastly, if you’re short on time, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Variations
I love experimenting in the kitchen, and this recipe is no exception. One variation I’ve tried is substituting the chicken breasts with boneless pork chops. The result was equally delicious! Additionally, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to the creamy garlic sauce for a tangy twist. However, I must admit that my attempt at using fish instead of chicken didn’t turn out as well as I had hoped. Some experiments are just meant to stay in the realm of imagination!
Storage
If you happen to have any leftovers (though honestly, in my house it never lasts more than a day!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave before enjoying it again.
Serving Suggestions
I find that serving this Parmesan crusted chicken alongside a fresh green salad and some roasted vegetables makes for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. However, feel free to get creative and pair it with your favorite sides. It’s also great on its own, as the crispy chicken and creamy garlic sauce are the stars of the show!
Pro Tips
Over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two from my cooking adventures. One pro tip I can share with you is to be patient when cooking the chicken. It’s important to let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to achieve that beautiful golden crust. Rushing this step might result in a less crispy texture. Another lesson I’ve learned is to trust your taste buds. Adjust the seasoning of the creamy garlic sauce according to your preference. Remember, cooking is all about making the dish your own!
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they might take a bit longer to cook through.
Q: Can I freeze the Parmesan crusted chicken?
A: While it’s technically possible to freeze the cooked chicken, I wouldn’t recommend it. The texture of the crust might become soggy when thawed and reheated. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh.
Q: Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream?
A: You can, but keep in mind that the sauce might not be as rich and creamy. Heavy cream adds a luxurious texture and flavor to the dish, so I prefer to stick with it.
I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce as much as I do. It’s a dish that never fails to impress and always brings joy to the table. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
A crowd-pleasing dish featuring crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken breasts served with a velvety creamy garlic sauce. This flavorful recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Mix grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl.
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Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, coat in flour, then dip in beaten eggs and coat with the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture.
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Melt butter in a skillet, add minced garlic, sauté, then cook coated chicken breasts until golden brown.
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Transfer chicken to a baking dish, bake for 15-20 minutes.
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In the same skillet, simmer heavy cream to make the creamy garlic sauce, season with salt and pepper.
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Serve the Parmesan crusted chicken with the creamy garlic sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.